In a widely anticipated move to support economic growth, the Bank of Canada kicked off 2025 with a 25-basis-point interest rate cut.
The central bank’s decision brings the overnight interest rate to 3% from its peak of 5% in 2024. The rate is just below the upper end of its neutral range of 2.25%-3.25%, where it neither suppresses nor spurs economic growth.
However, the outlook for additional interest rate cuts is uncertain. Future monetary policy moves “are subject to more-than-usual uncertainty because of the rapidly evolving policy landscape, particularly the threat of trade tariffs by the new administration in the United States,” says the Bank’s January 2025 Monetary Policy Report.
Six Straight Rate Cuts
This is the sixth consecutive rate cut since the central bank began unwinding its monetary policy in June 2024. However, after implementing two supersized cuts toward the end of last year, the Bank has reverted to a more measured 25-point reduction. While further cuts are expected, analysts expect the pace of easing will likely be much more gradual in 2025.
The Canadian dollar edged slightly higher, from C$1.4450 against the US dollar to C$1.4437, following the announcement.
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